University Policies

Speakers Policy

The purpose of this policy is to assure the right of free expression and exchange of ideas, to minimize conflict between the exercise of that right and the rights of others in the effective use of University facilities, and to minimize possible interference with the University’s responsibilities as an educational institution.

The time, place, and manner of exercising speech on campus are subject to regulations adopted by the University administration. Orderly conduct, noninterference with University functions or activities, and identification of sponsoring groups or individuals are required. Outdoor sound amplification will be permitted only with explicit approval of the Vice Provost for Student Life or designee. (Refer to “Amplification of Sound.”)

Members of the faculty, academic departments, staff, administrative offices, or student organizations registered by authorized student government bodies may invite non-University speakers to address meetings on campus. Student groups that have not been registered by authorized student government bodies may not invite non-University speakers to address meetings on campus. If there would likely be extensive public notice or controversy associated with the presence of any speaker on campus, prior notice should be given to the head of the Office of Marketing and Communications in the case of likely inquiries from external constituencies of the University or media; and to the Director of Campus Safety Services in the case of possible protest or disruption. Except for unusual circumstances, the notice should be at least one week before the meeting or event is to occur.

The presence of a guest speaker on the campus of Santa Clara University does not necessarily imply approval or endorsement by the University of the views expressed by the guest speaker or by anyone else present at the event.

The person or organization sponsoring a speaker around whom there would likely be extensive public notice or controversy is responsible for including the above statement in its advertisement, announcements, and news releases. If deemed appropriate, the University administration may also require the above statement be read at the beginning of the event.

Whenever the University administration considers it appropriate in furtherance of educational objectives, it may require either or both of the following:

That the meeting be chaired by a person approved by the University administration

Any invitation to a non-University speaker extended by a registered student organization, member of the faculty, staff, academic department, or administrative department may be rescinded only if the President, or his authorized designee, determines, after appropriate inquiry, that the proposed speech will constitute a clear and present danger to the orderly operation or peaceful conduct of campus activities by the speaker’s advocacy of such actions as:

Willful damage or destruction, or seizure of University buildings or other property

Disruption or impairment of, or interference with, classes or other University activities

Physical harm, coercion, intimidation, or other invasion of the rights of University students, faculty, staff, or guests

Violation of law

Other disorder of a violent or seriously disruptive nature

LIABILITY AND PROPERTY INSURANCE

Except by expressed arrangement with the University, the University’s insurance does not cover students’ liability or students’ personal property. Students may wish to seek the services of their personal insurance agent to arrange for such coverage.

STUDENT PARKING

Parking on campus requires a valid parking permit at all times. Parking permits are available for purchase at Campus Safety Services (located in the parking structure) between 8 a.m. and midnight, seven days a week. Call 408-554-4441 for further information.

Additionally, it is the University’s policy that there shall be no discrimination or retaliation against employees or students who raise issues of discrimination or potential discrimination or who participate in the investigation of such issues. The University will provide reasonable accommodations for the known physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability under the law.

Inquiries regarding equal opportunity policies, the filing of grievances, or requests for a copy of the University’s grievance procedures covering discrimination and harassment complaints should be directed to:

A person aggrieved by unlawful harassment or unlawful discrimination may file a complaint within the time required by law with the appropriate federal or state agency. Depending upon the nature of the complaint, the appropriate agency may be the federal Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), the federal Office for Civil Rights (OCR), or the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing (DFEH).

Drug-Free Policies

It is the goal of Santa Clara University to maintain a drug-free workplace and campus. The unlawful manufacture, distribution, dispensation, possession, and/or use of controlled substances or the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of alcohol is prohibited on the Santa Clara University campus, in the workplace, or as part of any of the University’s activities. This includes the unlawful use of controlled substances or alcohol in the workplace even if it does not result in impaired job performance or in unacceptable conduct.

The unlawful presence of any controlled substance or alcohol in the workplace and campus itself is prohibited. The workplace and campus are presumed to include all Santa Clara premises where the activities of the University are conducted.

Violations will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment for faculty and staff or expulsion of students. A disciplinary action may also include the completion of an appropriate rehabilitation program. Violations may also be referred to the appropriate authorities for prosecution.

The program information is distributed on an annual basis to all faculty, staff, and students. New staff employees are given a copy in New Employee Orientation. New faculty employees are given a copy at New Faculty Orientation. The program is reviewed at least biennially by the Office of Student Life, Affirmative Action Office, and the Department of Human Resources. Contact the Office of Student Life for a complete copy of the program.

Sexual Assault and Misconduct Reporting Protocol

Purpose Statement Santa Clara University upholds a zero tolerance policy for sexual and gender-based misconduct and does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs. When an allegation of misconduct is brought to an appropriate administrator’s attention, and a respondent is found to have violated this policy, serious sanctions will be used to reasonably ensure that such actions are never repeated. This policy has been developed to reaffirm these principles and to provide recourse for those individuals whose rights have been violated. It applies on campus and it may apply off campus if the conduct negatively affects a victim’s school experience or the overall school environment. This policy is intended to define community expectations and to establish a mechanism for determining when those expectations have been violated.

The University seeks to provide a consistent, caring, and timely response when sexual and gender-based misconduct occurs within the University community. Sexual misconduct includes sexual harassment, sexual assault (non-consensual sexual contact and non-consensual sexual intercourse), and sexual exploitation. Gender-based misconduct includes violent actions, discrimination, hazing, bullying, domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking when such behaviors are perpetrated because of one’s gender. Members of the University community, guests and visitors have the right to be free from sexual and gender-based misconduct and the University prohibits such behavior. Sexual and gender-based misconduct can occur between people of different sex or gender or of the same sex or gender. All members of the campus community are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that does not infringe upon the rights of others.

The complete policy, reporting protocol and University response, and student judicial procedures are available in the Office of Student Life and the Office of Affirmative Action. This information is also available here.

COMPUTING AND ELECTRONIC RESOURCES POLICY

­­The computing and other electronic resources at SCU are provided solely for the support of students and employees in the pursuit of their scholarly or required academic activities, and for conducting the business of the University. General guidelines for use of computing, communication, and electronic resources on campus are based upon principles of etiquette, fairness, and legality. In using these resources at SCU, community members are expected to be respectful of other individuals’ ability to enjoy equal access to the resources, refrain from malicious or annoying behavior, and abide by state and national laws, including those related to intellectual property and copyright. More details are available in the University’s Acceptable Use Policy, accessible from Infromation Technology.

SMOKING POLICY

The purpose of the smoking policy is to promote and foster the health, comfort, and safety of all members of the Santa Clara University community.

Santa Clara University, in compliance with the City of Santa Clara Ordinance No. 1654, has adopted a nonsmoking policy. Smoking is prohibited at all times in all University facilities that house offices, work areas, classrooms, or residence rooms. Members of the community who choose to smoke must maintain a distance of 25 feet from any building openings (doors, windows, air intakes).

POLICY FOR WITHDRAWAL FOR HEALTH REASONS

Students may experience an illness, injury, or psychological condition, herein referred to as a health condition, which significantly impairs their ability to function successfully or safely in their roles as students. In these instances, time away from the University for treatment and recovery can restore functioning to a level that will enable them to return to the University.

The Vice Provost for Student Life or designee, in consultation with the appropriate mental and medical health professionals and other staff as deemed necessary, is responsible for the implementation of the policy.